Aptamer Group PLC (AIM:APTA) (Aptamer Group PLC (AIM:APTA)) has reported major strides in its collaborations with Unilever, Neuro-Bio, and AstraZeneca, underlining the growing potential of its advanced biological binders.
"All of the programmes, from fast-moving consumer goods to therapeutics, continue to show excellent results with increased validation and progression towards commercial products that will deliver a value inflexion point [for the company], said CEO, Dr Arron Tolley.
With Unilever, Aptamer is advancing a deodorant formulation using Optimer binders.
Recent tests showed the binders remain stable on human skin for over 72 hours and effectively inhibit enzymes that cause odour. This success moves the project closer to commercialisation in a deodorant market valued at over $21 billion annually.
Its tie-up with Neuro-Bio has achieved a breakthrough in developing an Alzheimer’s diagnostic test. The test uses Optimer binders to detect Alzheimer’s biomarkers in spinal fluid and saliva samples, distinguishing patients from healthy individuals.
Efforts are underway to adapt this test for home use with lateral flow technology, addressing a diagnostic market worth $4.5 billion.
A collaboration with AstraZeneca has focused on developing a targeted RNA therapy for fibrotic liver disease.
Aptamer’s Optimer-siRNA conjugates delivered therapeutic RNA to fibrotic liver cells while avoiding healthy cells, reducing fibrosis markers in lab tests. This approach could revolutionise RNA therapy delivery in a market valued at $13 billion.
"The group's ongoing programmes with some of the largest global pharmaceutical companies across different areas demonstrate our leading aptamer technology and provide a solid commercial footing for future growth," CEO Tolley told investors.